Alfa Romeo 4C takes on the rivals

Hammond fell in love with it, but can Alfa's new coupe see off a Lotus Exige S and Porsche Cayman S?

Which is why we’re heading to Mid Wales in the wettest of winters. But first we must get there from TG headquarters, and I’m in the Alfa. From the moment you drive off it’s obviously a bit… different. For starters, the stiff carbon tub and bony seats put very little padding between you and the tarmac. Name a road between London and Llandrindod Wells, and I’ll tell you what it’s like – every bump, cat’s eye and lick of paint from one side of the country to the other. And while the Porsche and Lotus have six cylinders each, the 4C – you’ll have guessed from the name – has four, adding up to just 1.75 litres and 237bhp.